Antlers Park sits on the shore of Lake Marion, and there is a small swimming beach to enjoy in the summer. It's popular with the community members because there is something for everyone. There is a playground area with equipment for the younger set, and there are plenty of places to have a picnic when you're ready for a little sun and/or shade. And food. There is a grill, which is perfect for a summer picnic. There is also a volleyball court for those who want to be more active.
East Lake Community Park is popular with members of the community because there is plenty to do and a lot of space to do it in. There is a paved walking path along a bridge over the lake, and it's an idyllic haven for you to stroll through, which connects to other paths and trails. There is also a baseball/softball diamond and a tennis court for the more athletic types. It is a dog-friendly park, and has many open spaces for them in which to be walked. There are benches to rest on and grills for grilling. There are picnic shelters in which to enjoy the results of the grilling, and there is a playground area for the younger children.
Ritter Farm Dog Park is a great place for dogs to go when they need to stretch their legs, run free, and socialize with other dogs. They can make canine friends here and frolic to their hearts' content. There is an area for small dogs and an area for big dogs, and there is water and waste bags provided--the water for both humans and dogs, and the waste bags for the dogs. This park is part of the Ritter Farm Park in general.
Ritter Farm Park is filled with lush foliage that you can enjoy from all the available trails--biking, hiking, and even an equestrian trail in the summer, weather permitting. Fishing is permitted, and there are picnic shelters in case you want to have a lovely picnic on a sunny summer afternoon. There is also a dog park for both small dogs and big dogs.
Steve Michaud Park has plenty of open green space for you to enjoy and a walking/biking trail so you can enjoy the nature around you. There is a playground area for kids to enjoy, and there is a zip line for the older kids--and for adults as well. There is a soccer field and a baseball/softball diamond for the more athletic sort, and there are picnic areas when you want to relax from all the activity.
Baldy's BBQ is a simple BBQ restaurant with good service and great food. The decor isn't much to look at, but the BBQ sure is. Whether you're a smoked brisket kind of person or you prefer rib tips, pulled pork, or a basket of shrimp, this is the place for you. Their appetizers include sweet potato nuggets, corn poppers, and fried cauliflower. They also have the traditional sides such as mac 'n cheese, baked beans, and corn bread. They also have a food truck for catering and takeout as well. No matter what you order, you're sure to be pleased with what you get.
Harry's Scratch Kitchen was opened 20 years ago as Harry's Cafe by Harry when he got tired of being in finance. He only uses the freshest of local ingredients, and everything is made from scratch (thus, the name). You can really tell the difference in every dish you try. The decor evokes a warm and comfortable feel, and the service will definitely make you feel at home. The menu includes Nachos Del Grande, a jerk shrimp wrap, and the One LB. B-29 Superfortress (burger). They have a sizable gluten free menu as well with dishes such as a GF grilled chicken prime rib sandwich and a GF Cajun chicken pasta. You can order online to save time, too. Every dish is tasty, and you'll want to try them all.
Pho Everest is a Vietnamese restaurant that is family owned and has simple decor. No fuss, no muss, but excellent dishes with tasty flavors. There is pho, of course, including brisket pho, meatball pho, seafood pho, and rare steak & flank pho. They also have other kinds of noodle soups, banh mi, and rice dishes as well. They have congee, Everest Style Chicken, and Pad Thai, too. You can order online from the comfort of your own home so it'll be ready by the time you go to pick it up.
Porterhouse Steak & Seafood is at elegant steak restaurant that offers a wide variety of cuts of meat and seafood. The atmosphere is simultaneously classy and relaxed, and the service is friendly and informed. No matter what kind of steak and/or seafood you enjoy, you will find something to whet your appetite here. The chophouse menu includes Porterhouse (of course), Black & Bleu Ribeye, and New York Strip. On the surf side, they have Smokehouse Shrimp, King Crab Legs, and Fresh Fish of the Day. On the beverage side, they have wine and martinis/cocktails, the latter which includes the Dirty Minnesota Martini, Iron Butterfly, and Salty Dog.
The Buckboard Restaurant is a casual restaurant that serves traditional American breakfast fare. The decor is simple, but welcoming, and the service is friendly as well. Their menu is on a large white board and written by hand, which adds to the homey feel. The menu includes Buckboard Benny, Creamy Chip Beef over Texas Toast, 12 Ounce Pork Chops, and Kielbasa and Cheese. It's fast and filling, and there's plenty of it.
Cream of the Cakes is a cakery that enjoys providing that special cake for any momentous occasion. Whether it's a milestone birthday or a wedding or an anniversary, they are up to the challenge of creating a one-of-a-kind cake to match the event. Every cake is made from scratch, and the staff is enthusiastic about what they are doing. In addition to cakes, they make cupcakes, cake pops, truffles, whoopie cakes and so much more. Their gourmet desserts include pies, fudge, and bars. If you don't see what you want in the store, they will work with you to make something only you could dream of. They will make your next event the talk of the town.
Crossroads of Lakeville is a community shopping center that has a Cub Foods as their flagship store. The other stores include Mathnasium, ARilash Studio, Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet, and Hand & Stone Massage. The restaurants/food joints include CherryBerry, Berry Blendz, and El Parian Mexican Restaurant.
Hot Sam's Antiques & Foto Park was opened in 1985 by Bobbie "Jake" Hood and his mother, Gladys Hood to sell the antiques that Gladys Hood had amassed over her lifetime. Kathy Sakyr, Jake's significant other, is now a co-owner with Jake after Gladys passed. The park is filled with eclectic antiques that people love to come and be photographed with. and the pieces are sometimes rented out as props for theater pieces. The store is a log cabin, and it is filled with unique antiques, such as old circus wagons, a great white shark, and a 2-3 story refurbished guitar. Some of this may not be in the store itself because of size factors. Be sure to say hey to Alley-Oop, the resident dog, while you enjoy the oddities.
The original Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop was opened 60 years ago by Patricia and Russell Grosser as part of the Grosser Ranch in Osseo. There are now two of them, and one of them is in Lakeville. They are serious about giving you the best Western experience they can, and the staff members are always eager to make that happen. They sell clothing such as hats and boots, and they make saddles and tacks as well. They do repairs for boots and leather, too, and you'll definitely feel like a cowboy while visiting this store.
Sweet Treasures is a cakery that was opened by Ann Alaboud in 2015, and it became an immediate hit with the community. The place was rocketed to notoriety when Ann won Cake Wars in October of 2016, and she was able to open a second store with shortly afterwards. The staff members are eager to work with you in order to make sure your cake experience is the best one possible. They make every cake and cupcake by hand with the best quality ingredients available. They also have a wide variety of coffees as well, so you can have a drink that will complement the cake of your choice. They also believe in giving back to the community, and they have donated their delightful creations to Icing Smile, Second Harvest, and Spirit of Giving--all nonprofit organizations. Their flavors are many, and they include Peanut Butter Lava, Chocolate Mountain, Divine Raspberry, and Holy Cannoli. They have a gluten free daily pick as well. You can put in your order online.
Alibi Drinkery calls itself an upscale casual sports bar, and it has outdoor seating on the patio when the weather permits. The decor is homey and woodsy, and the service is friendly. They have fourteen big screen TVs, so it's a great place to gather with your friends to cheer on the home team. They also make their food from scratch, and the menu includes an Everything On It pizza, Black and Blue (burger), and Surf and Turf. They have a full service bar, and they also do offsite catering.
Angry Inch Brewing was opened in 2016, and it has a decor its website describes as 'industrial meets rustic', and it has a warm and vibrant feeling to it. The staff members are friendly and knowledgeable about their beer. The owners are serious about sustainability, and their taproom reflects that. The light bulbs are LED and they give their spent grains to local farmers, for example. One of the founders, Jon, is also the head brewer, and he's been home brewing since 2011. They have a dog-friendly patio that is usable in the summer. Their tap list includes Daddy's Honey Pot, Naked Hop Party, and True Confessions. They don't serve food except free popcorn, but they welcome you to bring food from one of the several nearby restaurants.
Babe's is a neighborhood bar and grill that offers food, drinks, the watching of the sports, and live entertainment. It's an open and spacious place with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The service is friendly, and the food is plentiful. There is live music every Friday night, and they have other events all week round (such as open mic and bar bingo). The menu includes Walleye Fingers, wings, and burgers such as Babes Burger, Guacamole Burger, and In The Buff. They also serve broasted chicken, ribs, and sandwiches. Their seasonal drink menu includes Lemon Basil Moscow Mule and Dragonberry Mojito.
Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar is a place that combines two favorite beverages, coffee and wine. The decor is colorful and warm, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The staff members are friendly, and they're knowledgeable. They serve breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and bar bites. The food menu includes cinnamon rolls, Rockslide Brownie, Grilled Rachel, and Heggies Pizza. They have vegan cookies and gluten-free cookies, provided by Alternative Baking Company, Inc. Their coffees include specialty lattes such as Black Hole, coffee coolers like Chocolate Decadence, and regular coffees as well. Their wine menu includes Sokol Blosser, Frisk, and Hellhound. They have beer as well, such as Surly Furious, Wahoo, and Mudpuppy Porter. They do catering, too.
Red Fox Tavern looks like a lodge and has a woodsy feel to it. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is casual. They have Bingo on Thursdays and a meat raffle on Fridays. They also have live music on occasion. Their menu includes Po Boy Sandwich, Savory Wild Rice Burger, and Porketta. They source most of their ingredients locally. They have all the usual tipples as well, and you can book their dining room for a special event.
Ballet Royale Minnesota has been a premier ballet academy for a decade, and it was started by Denise and Rick Vogt. They are former professional ballet dancers, and they bring their considerable collective knowledge to their school. They focus on health, and they nurture their students as well as teach them ballet. They have classes for people at every level, including toddlers, adult beginners, pre-professionals, and professional ballet dancers. They also have a new program called Ballet Beyond Barriers with classes aimed to teaching people with disabilities learn the joy of movement, adapting it to the students' needs.
DanceWorks Performing Arts Center was founded in 1984 by Anna Proudfoot. From the humble beginnings of a 1,200 square-foot studio, it is now over 14,000 square-foot facility that includes a women's fitness center called HealthWorks. The teachers at DanceWorks are passionate about dancing, and they want to encourage a similar passion in the kids/teens they teach--and adults as well. They teach several kinds of dance, including ballet, tap, and jazz. They also have lyrical classes, musical theater, and danceline prep classes. On the adult side, they teach ballroom and tap.
Holly's Dance & Mentorship has been in operation for 19 years (opened by Holly), and they have some strong principles guiding their way. Their classes include ballet, tap, combination tap and ballet, adaptive dance, musical theater, and adult classes, to name a few. They bring a positive attitude to teaching, and they want to convey the joy of dancing to their students in every class. They have two performances a year for the students. They have private lessons as well, and they have a competition company for students interested in a more intense dance experience.
The Lakeville Area Arts Center was opened in 2001, and it is hosted in the former All Saints Church. The All Saints Church was transformed into a topnotch arts facility while retaining the stunning architecture it had when it was a church. Their mission is to nurture creativity in the community in both performance and visual arts. They teach a variety of classes, including pottery, jewelry, painting, and drawing. They also have theater classes for the aspiring thespians and every child gets cast. They put on all sorts of events, ranging from plays to music to wine drinking. If you are a fan of the arts, you're sure to find something to your pleasing here.
Taste of Lakeville is an annual event that is hosted at and by the Lakeville Area Arts Center in May. It has been going on for nearly twenty years. It's a celebration of the vibrant restaurant/drinks culture of Lakeville, and it's 21+ (age) for attendance. It is a fundraising event for the Lakeville Rotary Club, and all the proceeds with help them continue to do important community work. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including live entertainment and a silent auction. Of course, food (and drinks) features prominently, and there are samples from roughly 35 restaurants/caterers in the community. The restaurants/catering companies include Bourbon Butcher, Divine Swine Catering, and Bowlero. On the drinks side, there is plenty to choose from, including 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, Shell's Brewery, and Lakeville Brewing.
Pan-O-Prog stands for Panorama of Progress, and it's an annual celebration of how far Lakeville has come. Pan-O-Prog is a week-long festivity, and it's happened every July for over 50 years. There is a grand parade, a carnival, cruise night and so much more. There is fun for everyone in the family, and it's a great way to meet other members of the community. Enjoy the events around Independence Day in the sunny days of a Minnesota summer.
The Lakeville Art Festival is one of the best arts festivals in the south metro, and it's held in the Lakeville Area Arts Center in the third weekend of September. There are over a hundred artists featured (juried), and the booths are arranged attractively to catch the passersby's eyes. In addition, there are art exhibits, performances, a Youth Art Tent, wonderful food, and more. It's a good way for the community to come together to support the arts and to have a fun time while doing it.
PawPADS Going to the Dogs! is an annual event hosted by PawPADS (Pawsitive Perspective Assistance Dogs in September, and it's free to the public. It is held in the Lakeville Area Arts Center and service dogs are welcome to attend. It is a family fundraiser picnic, and there is an art sale and a silent auction. There are concessions with food, yard games, and group painting activities for which you can preregister. The proceeds go to PawPads to match service dogs with people who need them. This is a fun way to support a great cause.
The Haunted Forest Festival is an annual event hosted by the City of Lakeville at Steve Michaud Park in celebration of all things spooky. There are ghouls, ghosts, and goblins at every turn, and the suggested age is 9 and older because of the spooks. They also have a maze for the trick-or-treaters, bonfires and puppet shows, hayrides, food (concessions, cash only), and warming drinks. Costumes are encouraged and a good time will be had by all.
